This list contains spoilers for multiple companion backstories and character arcs!
Summary
- Wyll embodies the charm of traditional chivalry, with a story arc that mirrors the moral dilemmas faced by good aligned players.
- Minthara is ruthlessly evil, but offers comedic relief with her hilariously brutal views on the world.
- Gale is a witty wizard with an intellectual charm, although his know-it-all attitude may not appeal to everyone.
A groundbreaking RPG that took the gaming world by storm back in 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 is, in the eyes of many, the pinnacle of the genre, leaving in its wake some truly giant boots for future RPGs to fill. This RPG is stacked to the brim with thrilling turn-based combat, rich narratives, and a host of lovable companions for players to befriend, romance, and add to their party.
Baldur's Gate 3: Strongest Companions, Ranked
To build optimized parties in BG3, strong companions are often part of the formula. Consequently, here are the game's strongest companions.
Companions are one of the many standout features of this game. From devilish rogues to valiant warlocks, every companion has complex motives and compelling character arcs. Encourage them to give in to or overcome their demons; the choice is up to the player.
6 Wyll
Chivalry Isn't Dead
- Charming, chivalrous, and principled.
- Has a compelling story arc that parallels the player's.
- Doesn't stray far from his shining knight archetype.
The traditional knight in shining armor of the companions, Wyll is a man of strong principles and manners who has dedicated his life to protecting the innocent by slaying every monster and demon he comes across. Wyll is a particularly lovable companion for lawfully good players who share his principles. His story arc of struggling not to become the kind of monster he swore to defeat also parallels morally good players who will find themselves in similar dilemmas throughout their playthrough.
Players wanting a more uniquely lovable companion may wish to look elsewhere. Wyll certainly has his fair share of funny quips and poignant comments, but his personality and character arc closely follow the archetype he's built around.
5 Minthara
Unapologetically Ruthless
- The perfect evil playthrough companion.
- Has some hilariously brutal dialogue.
- Costly to recruit.
The bloodthirsty drow of the group, Minthara is happy with whatever the player does, so long as it involves crushing the weak beneath their feet or enacting sweet, sweet revenge. She's the perfect party member for players on an evil run, reveling in murder just as much as even the most unapologetically evil Dark Urge player. There's a lot to love about her, even for neutral and good players, as the ruthless nature of her drow upbringing has left her with some hilariously evil views of the world.
Unfortunately, recruiting Minthara is rather costly, especially for neutral and good players. Recruiting her requires betraying the druid grove, which will have Wyll and Karlach, two of the most good-aligned companions in the game, leave the player's team permanently.
4 Gale
The Wisecracking Wizard
- A charming and witty mage.
- Has some useful advice.
- His self-assurance can irritate some players.
This charming mage is practically overflowing with witty jokes and often helpful, albeit unprompted, advice. Gale is self-assured in his knowledge and capabilities, and while it can come off as cocky sometimes, that's all part of his intellectual charm, and something he rarely does without self-awareness. Call him out on it, and he seldom gets defensive. He's a strong-headed man with great magical knowledge.
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Like Wyll, Gale might not be a lovable companion for everyone. His humor will surely get some laughter, whether the player likes him or not, but his know-it-all attitude will definitely rub some players the wrong way.
3 Lae'zel
Surprisingly Complex
- A murderous and unyielding fighter.
- Incredibly funny, albeit often unintentionally.
- Has a complex and compelling story arc.
The murderous fighter of the group, Lae'zel loves the finer things in life, including battle, bloodshed, and conquest. Evil-aligned players are sure to find her a lovable companion, joining forces with her to wreak havoc on all who oppose them. Lae'zel is a joy to be around for neutral and even good players. Whether she's reveling in violence, delivering scathing insults to the player, or bickering with other companions, she's sure to come out with some unintentionally hilarious comments.
While Lae'zel may seem cold and unyielding at first, as the story unravels, she becomes deeply sympathetic. Brainwashed into the uncaring murder machine that she is, getting to know Lae'zel will reveal a more emotional, humorous, and, dare it be said, compassionate side to her.
2 Astarion
As Devious As He Is Lovable
- Witty, flamboyant, and cunning.
- Has some fantastically funny quips and comments.
- Has a rich story arc and complex history to unravel.
Few companions are as enjoyable to have in a party as this witty rogue. One of the more divisive companions, players either love Astarion or love to hate him. It’s hard to dispute how funny his quips are, though, even when they're at the player's or other companions' expense. When he's not throwing droll insults like daggers, he's commenting on the sheer absurdity of the situation the party is in, making for a refreshing change from the 'take it as it comes' attitude of most other companions.
Baldur's Gate 3: 10 NPCs That Would Make Great Companions For An Evil Playthrough
There are many NPCs in Baldur's Gate 3 who could be excellent companions for an Evil Playthrough, offering new abilities and more depth to the game.
Astarion also has one of the most compelling character arcs, especially for players on a lawful playthrough. By showing him that some people can, in fact, be trusted, the player can help Astarion break free from the shadow of his past and live a life where he does not have to hurt others to help himself.
1 Karlach
Enthusiastic, Headstrong, And Multilayered
- A beloved companion for most players.
- Enthusiastic, hot-headed, and self-assured.
- Far more complex than she appears.
Few players will be surprised that Karlach takes the cake as the most lovable Baldur's Gate 3 companion. From her endless enthusiasm to her hot-headed excitement and laid-back self-assurance, this barbarian is an absolute joy to be around. Karlach always brings the energy to every moment of gameplay, whether in conversation or in the heat of battle. In the game's quieter moments, she's also capable of some deep introspection, setting her far apart from the mindless barbarian archetype.
Players curious enough to dig deeper into Karlach's personality will find a complex and emotionally volatile tiefling fueled by passion, be it her desire to protect the weak or the darker emotions of rage and revenge.
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
